Any decent free resources as alternates for Genki?

Japanese Language Resources
#7

No one has mentioned BunPro yet?

IMO the best website for learning Japanese grammar. It’s not completely free though, you have a free 1 month trial that gives you everything the site has to offer, after the trial month has passed, you can still use the website, but in it’s “lite” form.

Blockquote What if I choose not subscribe after my free trial?
Bunpro “lite”, a free version of Bunpro, is still an excellent grammar resource. You will still be able to view each grammar point’s meaning and structure, a limited number of example sentences and all of the reference links and textbook page numbers.

One month only costs $3 though, a full year is as cheap as $30. If you’re serious about learning Japanese then this shouldn’t be a hurdle IMO.

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#8

I used Tae Kim’s guide, which is really well organised and includes a lot of basic grammar for JLPT5 to 1. I learned all of my Japanese grammar from it, and I’m able to read articles on NHK Easy etc.

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#9

I use BunPro for drills, but one won’t really learn without studying grammar a bit more comprehensively and in context. The site links to good explanations, such as Tae Kim’s, which have been mentioned.

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#10

Oh I’m currently using Bunpro too~ forgot to add that lmao

#11

Frankly, I’d just find a used copy of an older edition of Genki. I think I got Genki 1 in a previous printing in decent condition for like $20.

Cheapest on ebay right now is $24, that really isn’t bad.

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#12

There was a thread here recently about free access to a Genki university course. Didn’t read it or try it, but thought I would link it in case its relevant:

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#13

Ummm like I said, I don’t have that much money to buy anything that costs much… And $20 is pricey to me, especially with my country’s weakening currency and stuff but thanks tho (＾∇＾)

#14

Since both, Tae Kim and Imabi were mentioned, I just wanted to bring up the old conflict between the two, which can i.a. be read here and here. Admittedly, on Reddit only the creator of Imabi seems to be defending his position. But, I think he has a point. As he mentioned here I’m not saying to completely avoid Tae Kim, just be careful and always check multiple resources.

As for my part, I decided to go primarily with Imabi, but it’s a matter of choice. To be honest, in my opinion you can’t learn a language with a textbook (or website) anyway. Sure, it’s necessary to learn the grammar, but the best way is to actually speak a language. Find a native speaker, in times of world wide web that shouldn’t be a too big problem.

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#15

Yikes, Reddit links (it’s blocked in my country). I might open those links later after I get a VPN installed on my phone tho

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#16

I know it goes against the forum rules so i won’t post anything that shouldn’t be posted

But living in a third world country my whole life has made me a “caribbean” person :pirate_flag:
The amount of things you can find for free just by looking them up is overwhelming.

just saying

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#17

Yep. Totally can relate ʅ(◔౪◔ ) ʃ

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#18

worst comes to worst, see if you can get another fellow student to let you photocopy the sections you are studying (including photocopying the workbook if possible). the audio may be tougher w/o resorting to …less savory means. :wink:

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#19

B-but we live in different parts of the world ⊙︿⊙

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#20

If you’re able to watch videos or YouTube, I really like the explanations offered in Japanese Ammo with Misa:

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#21

Tae Kim is not a textbook… it is a reference guide.

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#22

+1 for imabi. It’s very, very thorough and there are loads of example sentences. I’ve been copying them down and get a lot of practice using kanji I’ve learned here and reviewing my imabi writing makes for great kanji practice as well. If you’re willing to give it the time it’s an excellent free resource imo.

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#23

It’s still a resource in line with what OP requested, so I don’t think the distinction really matters. :man_shrugging:

#24

I don’t really got how something non-Genki can be in line with the request, how can you study together in a Genki study group without the book?

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#25

Well it does if it isn’t an alternative. Genki has a workbook, exercises, audio, dialog to study, etc… Tae Kim has none of that.

Tae Kim isn’t a bad resource, it just isn’t what a lot of people have touted it to be. I think the concise and simple explanations should be used to augment study and I have read it cover-to-cover.

#26

@acm2010 I suppose. I was thinking of OP keeping up with the grammar points and discussing those, not looking for a way to do the exercises with the group and all that. Not much else anyone can suggest though if the OP wants what you’re suggesting. The only viable options are to buy Genki new, buy Genki used, or do things we can’t discuss here.

@lsh3rd As I said earlier in this post to acm2010, I was thinking more about discussing grammar points than doing exercises. But yeah, your points are valid. I also used Tae Kim’s guide as a supplement after using Japanese From Zero, and I agree that going straight into Tae Kim without using something with exercises is not ideal.

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